1. When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a hairdresser – my aunts were both hairdressers, so I spent a lot of time in salons. I even had my own hairstyling doll that I would style and put makeup on. I have so many fond memories of that time in my life. When I was four years old, I washed my sister’s hair in the toilet, then cut it off on one side. My mother was so upset, she took me to the salon and had my hair cut the same way. Looking back at the photos, my family has a big laugh – but at the time, it was bad. They will never let me live that one down.
2. How did you find yourself working in the tanning industry?
In 1996, my best friend Melissa Heath (who works with me still) told me about a job opening at Four Seasons. I immediately fell in love with the tanning industry and my FS family. I started in the outbound sales department where I eventually managed a small team. The company was constantly growing, so I moved around to several different positions. In 2017, I landed my current role in corporate sales. This position has allowed me to travel, work trade shows and visit and train our salon clients. I like that every day is different, challenging and exciting.
3. What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?
British Columbia – Canada is an incredible country to explore. On one visit, we rented a car and drove from Kelowna down Highway 97 to South Okanagan Valley. We made stops at the roadside markets and fruit stands. To this day, I still have cravings for that apricot jam. Our last stop was the Burrowing Owl Estates Winery, and it did not disappoint. My bucket list top picks are Iceland and Greece – I want to see the Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, and Greek Isle.
4. How old were you when you had your first celebrity crush, and who was it?
Around the age of 13, I had my first celebrity crush on Rob Lowe. I loved him in “The Outsiders”, “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “Youngblood.” I had posters of him on my bedroom walls and on my book covers.
5. Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy thrifting for treasures, traveling, golfing and spending time with my family and our dog – a German Shorthaired Pointer named Ellie Mae. In my spare time, I like to refinish old furniture. I grew up spending a lot of time in my grandmother’s upholstery shop. She and my mom would take an old, run-down piece of furniture and make it look brand-new. I’d like to think my talent came from watching them.
6. What song always gets you out on the dance floor?
I’m not a dancer, but “Y.M.C.A.” gets me every time!
7. If you had a “WARNING” label, what would it say?
“WARNING: Laughs at inappropriate times.” I’m notorious for laughing uncontrollably in a serious situation. I’ve needed to leave meetings due to laughing so hard I would cry. (If you know, you know.)
Since 1997, IST Magazine (formerly known as Island Sun Times) has been committed to the success of salon professionals, while promoting the growth of the tanning industry as a whole.
Copyright 2020 ist Magazine